Personal Voicemail

[deathsmajesty]

"You have reached the personal voicemail of Liliana Vess. If you don't know what to do next, you likely shouldn't have a phone. This call probably could have been a text message anyway."

Comments

[somethingwithturquoise]

It was a text, Liliana, not a fucking heartfelt formal letter from Victorian times.

Summer did take a moment to think about what Stark had said, that she should go with whatever made the most people happiest (adorable), and then realized that wasn't as much fun, really, and what made her happiest was at least attempting to be a little scheming about all of this. And so:

oh well i mean if u already have it covered then maybe i should see if gladio or prompto would be interested. u know spread the love a little more

Which....probably didn't exclude the Dite's theory! She knew these guys back when they all shared a bed, after all!

[deathsmajesty]

Except that Nell would cut a bitch and Prompto would shriek about the sanctity of his marriage, so it likely wasn't something from Dite's after all.

...She should pop by after lunch and see if Irene had any new stock anyway.

Mmm, you COULD but there's definitely a reason you reached out to me, first. Is it because I'm more likely to go along with mischief? Darling, you do know I adore mischief.

[somethingwithturquoise]

Counterpoint: bros before hos. Not that Summer advocated for such dudebro tropes, but they had a deep bond that proceeded any of y'all.

technically i reached out to u second

Even though she didn't tell Stark explicitly that he'd been considered an option to receive this grand prize to great Ignis-winning effect, it had been an option.

but i do think ur the one who could benefit most from it

and also the one willing to offer the most interesting price

Come on, Lils. Put that mischief money where you mischief mouth was.

[deathsmajesty]

The idea that Liliana had been second raised another eyebrow before it settled over narrowed eyes. This had better be a major gift you were dangling, Summer, if you wanted her to ignore that slight.

So you want me to bid on something someone already passed over? I'm going to need a little more detail about exactly what it is I'd be buying, darling. What is it that you've got that'll rock his world in a way I can't?

[somethingwithturquoise]

well he technically didn't pass on it because it became pretty clear to me that he would probably just mess it up if I DID offer it but long story short I currently possess several cases of the one thing in the entire multiverse that might actual inspire Ignis to forgive Stark if that possession were to transfer to him

And if that didn't convince her without Summer having to reveal her hand entirely, she thought she'd also throw in one last point:

but mybe i just keep it for myself who knows when it could be in handy for a really big favor

As if Ignis didn't already owe her a TON already, but Liliana didn't know that!

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana sat bolt upright. There were very few things in the Multiverse that could have that kind of power and very few of them arrived in cases

To Turtle and Canary, no less. Where fish crackers and sparkling water had already made an appearance.

I see. You are correct, that IS an interesting proposition. And I'm guessing money isn't the kind of thing you're looking for.

A pity. She had scads of it lying around. Information was always a worthwhile currency, but Liliana didn't have any she thought Summer would enjoy.

How does a weekend long stay at my townhouse in Ravnica sound? Potentially over RageFest, a celebration of debauchery, danger, and destruction?

[somethingwithturquoise]

oh come on liliana I thought u could do better than what sounds like a glorified multidimensional airbnb for debauchery I can't even fully enjoy at this current stage in my life

She'd have a disapproving Stark Face in the back of her mind the entire time, and that would really put a damper on the whole thing, you know?

although suppose I could just give it to u because I like u and I really like Ignis and want u to be happy and I know I can depend on u to help if there ever IS something I might need from u

Boy it sure was a good thing Liliana wasn't averse to accruing debt for power, huh??

[deathsmajesty]

What, are drugs and violence also not allowed? I can honestly say, Summer darling, I can absolutely picture you front and center at some of the Rakdos fighting pits. And having a delightful time with the Gruul clans.

Though I will admit, I don't have quite as thorough an understanding of that side of RageFest. I generally preferred the drugs and debauchery side, myself.

Though the looting could be fun! Though Liliana found it more enjoyable and less effort to loot the looters, those few times she'd partaken of that aspect of the festival.

Her eyes narrowed at Summer's second text. It's true she wasn't averse to it, but taking on said debt was immediately followed by trying to find ways to wriggle out of it, up to and including murder. But if that was a risk Summer wanted to take - and Liliana had to admit, it was a good tactic - and she wanted to put her trust in Liliana being inclined to keep her word in the future (a significant gamble, to be sure), well then who was Liliana to stop her?

Why, that would show a true generosity of spirit. The kind of thing that marks a genuine friendship - and, of course, helping out one's friends when one can IS what friendship is all about. I'm sure I would be delighted if there were something that I might assist you with in the future, darling.

[somethingwithturquoise]

Ah, see, and Summer was banking on the idea that, just as the impending Disapproving Stark Face was preventing her from even asking more about this admittedly increasingly intriguing RageFest, the threat of impending Disapproving Ignis Face would at least give Liliana some pause before just reneging on this bargain or, you know, just murdering Summer just to slip out of having to pay her some itty bitty, tiny little insignificant, infantedtimal, miniscule, microscopic favor at some point in the unforeseeable future.

Especially when Iggy had way more Face to work with and infinitely more disapproval in him, too!

i mean that's what friends r for isn't it??? 🥰🥰🥰 I knew it would be smart coming to u liliana and that you'd completely understand!

Could you feel the batting eyelashes from there, Lils?

so! Do u prefer pick up or delivery?

[deathsmajesty]

Well, now she was missing out on talking to Liliana about fantasy drugs (as opposed to space drugs, obvs) and sex and that was its own punishment.

Let me come to you. I'm going to need a little while to come up with the best light in which to display this gift and it will be better if I store it somewhere for safekeeping.

Ugh, yes. Ignis would be very upset if she murdered his Ebony hookup because she didn't want to repay a favor. Oh and also they were dear friends or whatever, too. Fine. (Probably) no murder.

And thank you, darling, for this absolutely amazing gift of true friendship.

...This really would make Ignis so happy and Liliana was pleased with that

[somethingwithturquoise]

Always happy to help!! 💞💞💞

Just hmu when ur ready and I'll release it from its hiding spot!

After maybe secreting away an extra case for her own....safe keeping.

[deathsmajesty]

Well that just made sense. It wasn't like Liliana had asked how many cases she'd be getting anyway.

Well, Ignis does happen to be at the diner right now, so perhaps a visit to a friend is just the perfect way to liven up an otherwise lonely afternoon.

[somethingwithturquoise]

It's true. Ignis totally was at the diner today. *coughcough*


I've got class rn but I'll make sure to be at the store in a bit! Perfect

And, oh, you were so, so welcome, Liliana, and Summer was going to make sure you knew that.

[deathsmajesty]

Listen, some days were just more memorable than others, even if they totally stuck to the normal schedule. Obviously.

Mmmm. Liliana would look back at this and realize she'd signed up for it on behalf of Ebony, her One True Nemesis (move over, Raven Man) and understand that the signs had been there from the beginning.

I'll meet you there, darling.